FstSort kumquat line (2-3t/h) combines gentle brush cleaning, thorough air drying, and precise 4-size grading – boosting capacity, cutting labor, and minimizing spoilage.
Country / Region
Chile
Fruit / Material
Dates, lychee, jujube, olives, kumquat, cherry tomatoes, etc.
Capacity
2t~3t/h
Equipment Configuration
Bubble washing tank, brushing machine with sprays, air dryers, inspection table, size grader and box fill & weigh stations.
The Challenge: Upgrading Post-Harvest Efficiency for Chile’s Kumquat Export Market
Chile is the largest fresh fruit exporter in the Southern Hemisphere. Its citrus sector is growing, and kumquats—a high-value specialty fruit—are increasingly popular in North America.
However, stricter market requirements on fruit appearance, size consistency, and packaging have created several operational challenges for local growers and packers:
1. Low manual efficiency – Small, delicate kumquats require labor-intensive washing, sorting, and grading, resulting in low throughput and inconsistent quality.
2. Insufficient grading accuracy – Different fruit diameters command different prices. Without automated grading, significant commercial value is lost.
3. Low packaging standardization – Retailers demand precise box weights. Manual weighing leads to errors and affects brand reputation.
4. Need for an integrated line – Limited facility space requires a compact, easy-to-operate washing-drying-grading-weighing line that local workers can quickly master.
The Solution: A Complete Kumquat Washing, Drying, and Sorting Line
In response to the Chilean customer’s requirements, Fstsort designed and delivered a fully integrated kumquat processing line. The system consists of six core modules, delivering seamless automated processing from incoming fresh fruit to finished packed boxes.
1. Bubble Washing Tank & Incline Elevator
The tank is constructed entirely of stainless steel with an inner width of 1,000mm. Powerful bubble generators create turbulent water flow that effectively removes sand, dust, and field debris from the fruit surface. After washing, the incline elevator gently transfers kumquats to the next station. The water circulation system is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
2. Washing Machine
Equipped with 25 nylon brushes (90mm diameter) and stainless steel spray pipes positioned above and on both sides. As the brushes gently rotate, high-pressure water sprays continuously rinse the fruit surface. This design effectively removes stubborn residues trapped in the stem cavity while causing no mechanical damage to the delicate kumquat skin.
3. Air Dryers
The drying section features 8 high-power blowers with 25 nylon brushes positioned beneath. As kumquats pass through, the bottom brushes constantly rotate to flip each fruit, while the blowers provide full-coverage drying from above. Complete surface moisture removal is critical for smooth downstream grading and extended shelf life in packaged products.
4. Roller Inspection Table
A stainless steel roller conveyor with a total length of 4 meters, equipped with overhead lighting. Operators stand on both sides of the table to visually identify and remove defective, discolored, or stem-attached fruits. The roller structure allows kumquats to rotate naturally during conveyance, ensuring each fruit is fully exposed for inspection.
5. Diameter Grader
The grader automatically sorts kumquats by fruit diameter and features 4 discharge outlets. The grading sizes are fixed at the time of manufacturing, ensuring stable and reliable operation. Kumquats are directed into different channels according to diameter, corresponding to distinct commercial grades and price tiers — enabling premium pricing for premium fruit.
6. Manual Weighing & Filling System
Graded kumquats flow automatically to the corresponding weighing and filling stations. Operators add fruit to reach the preset packaging weight (standard: 4.5 kg per box) and complete the box filling. The entire line is controlled from a centralized electrical panel, allowing each functional section to be started/stopped and speed-adjusted independently. Electrical components are Schneider brand, and all wires are marked with matching letters for easy connection.
Technical Specifications (Customizable)
Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
Capacity | 2t-3t/h |
Total Power | 8.36 kW |
Voltage | 380V, 50Hz |
Grading Exits | 4 |
Number of Brushes | 50 (25 washing + 25 drying) |
Number of Air Dryers | 8 |
Dimensions | 17650 × 2150 × 1700 mm |
Material Standard | Food-grade 304 stainless steel (all water- and fruit-contact parts) |
Results & Business Impact
1. Capacity bottleneck eliminated — The line processes 2–3 t/h, several times faster than manual methods, matching peak harvest demand.
2. Grading accuracy substantially improved — The 4-outlet grader precisely separates fruit by size, directing premium and secondary grades to optimal channels and enabling better pricing.
3. Labor costs significantly reduced — Mechanized washing, drying, and grading replace heavy manual work, leaving only inspection and weighing/filling. Overall headcount is cut significantly.
4. Fruit appearance and shelf life both enhanced — Gentle brushing and powerful drying preserve natural gloss and wax while ensuring a completely dry surface, reducing spoilage during sea freight and extending shelf life.
5. Easy to learn and operate — The intuitive control system allows local staff in Chile to master operation and routine maintenance quickly, with no need for on-site engineers.
👉🏻Want to learn more about kumquat processing machine? Please visit our product page for kumquat washing drying and sorting line.